Comprehensive Collection of EU-27 crops statistics: a harmonized regional dataset of area and production

This work presents a harmonized multi-year dataset on crop areas (hectares) and production (tonnes) for 20 major crops at the European regional classification of Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS 2 level), sourced from Eurostat and national statistics for the period 2017-2021. The dataset was created through a systematic process of data collection, integration and validation, ensuring consistency and reliability across countries and years. Data processing and harmonisation were performed using an R script, with detailed metadata provided to support transparency and reproducibility of the workflow. Validation was carried out using independent and official data sources to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the dataset over time. The resulting dataset supports comparative assessments of crop area and production across regions and time and provides a robust and reliable resource for various domains (strategic planning, environmental impact assessments, modeling, research, and statistical reporting), aids in shaping regional agricultural policies, and contributes to promoting a more sustainable agricultural landscape across Europe.